A HISTORICAL EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON NIGERIA'S DOMESTIC AND REGIONAL SECURITY (2015–2023)

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Since 2015, Nigeria—Africa’s most populous country—has experienced a range of security challenges that have significantly impacted both its domestic and regional stability. The rise in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and ethnic unrest has severely disrupted the country’s economic development, political order, and social unity. Among the most dangerous threats has been the ongoing insurgency by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram. These militant groups have carried out a series of violent attacks across the northeast region, resulting in the displacement of millions, countless deaths, and widespread destruction of property. Despite military campaigns and deradicalization strategies initiated by the Nigerian government, the insurgency remains a major threat to national stability (International Crisis Group, 2019). Additionally, banditry and kidnapping have escalated, particularly in the north-central and northwestern parts of the country. Armed gangs have terrorized rural communities, abducting individuals for ransom and spreading fear among the population (Lenshie et al., 2024). These acts have stretched Nigeria’s security agencies thin and severely disrupted local economies and livelihoods. Furthermore, piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea—often linked to militant groups in the Niger Delta—have highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerabilities on the maritime front (Williams, 2016). In the southeast, secessionist movements, especially the agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have intensified. These separatist demands have led to confrontations with the federal government, adding to Nigeria’s already fragile political climate and threatening regional security (Magnus & Ngwu, 2023). The security crisis in Nigeria has deeply affected the economy. Violence against farmers and the displacement of rural communities have significantly lowered agricultural productivity and increased food insecurity. At the same time, the unstable security situation has discouraged foreign direct investment and stifled economic growth. In addition to terrorism, Nigeria faces communal clashes, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and more. Climate change, ethnic and religious divisions, and the easy availability of small arms have all worsened these challenges. Critics have often described the government’s responses as overly aggressive or ineffective, which in turn has fueled mistrust among affected populations. These security challenges have had far-reaching implications not only for Nigeria but also for its neighbors. Internally, the crisis has disrupted public services, hindered economic activity, and shaken citizens' faith in the government's ability to provide security. Regionally, insecurity has facilitated the illegal cross-border trade of arms and allowed militant groups to operate across borders. Violence has driven thousands of refugees into neighboring countries, creating humanitarian emergencies and straining local resources (de Montclos, 2020). Given the complexity and variety of Nigeria’s security challenges, the situation demands innovative and multifaceted solutions tailored to specific contexts. Addressing these problems will require not only military responses but also initiatives focused on development, job creation, civic engagement, and the strengthening of legal institutions. This study, therefore, seeks to explore how Nigeria’s insecurity landscape between 2015 and 2023 has influenced both domestic and regional security. By investigating the root causes, nature, and consequences of these threats, the research aims to enhance understanding and inform effective policy responses that could improve stability in Nigeria and the surrounding region. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Insecurity remains a critical issue in Nigeria, posing serious threats to the country’s stability and regional peace. Between 2015 and 2023, Nigeria was confronted with a wide spectrum of security threats including terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence. Several internal and external actors—such as Boko Haram and ISWAP—played prominent roles in shaping the national security landscape. By 2015, these groups had already caused widespread humanitarian crises. Their activities, combined with the rise of armed bandit groups and persistent community-based conflicts, complicated the efforts of the Nigerian government to restore peace and protect its citizens. The scale and variety of these threats have made the country’s security environment highly volatile. From the northwest to the central regions, cases of kidnapping and armed banditry surged, with criminal groups targeting villagers and collecting ransom payments. These developments have not only overwhelmed the capacity of Nigerian security forces but have also created fear and instability in affected areas (Lenshie et al., 2024). Rural economies have been paralyzed, agricultural activity disrupted, and poverty levels worsened. Ethnic and religious tensions have added another layer to the crisis. In Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, violent clashes between farmers and herders have been driven by deep-seated grievances, political manipulation, and competition for natural resources. These confrontations have resulted in massive displacement, loss of life, and destruction of homes and farmlands (Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2021). This study aims to explore the complex causes, expressions, and consequences of Nigeria’s insecurity from 2015 to 2023. It will examine how these security issues affect not only the internal dynamics of the country but also its regional relationships and stability. Through a careful analysis, the study intends to offer insight into effective strategies that could counter these challenges and support Nigeria’s path toward security and sustainable development. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objectives of this study are: i.To identify and assess the various forms of insecurity in Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and ethnic violence. ii.To analyze the root causes and effects of these security threats on Nigeria’s domestic and regional stability. iii.To evaluate the Nigerian government’s response to these threats, including military operations, peacebuilding efforts, and economic development initiatives. iv.To assess the overall effectiveness of these government interventions in managing the country's security issues. 1.4 Research Questions i.What are the various forms of insecurity that have affected Nigeria? ii.What are the root causes and impacts of these threats on Nigeria’s internal and regional security? iii.How effective have government responses such as military action, peace initiatives, and development programs been in addressing these threats? iv.How successfully has the Nigerian government managed the broader challenge of national security? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study offers critical insights that will be valuable to stakeholders at both the regional and global levels. By examining Nigeria’s security landscape, it highlights the need for collaborative strategies in addressing transnational security concerns. The research also delves into the types and origins of insecurity—including ethnic rivalry, terrorism, banditry, activism, and kidnapping—and their broader implications on the nation’s stability. Additionally, this study serves as a performance review of the Nigerian government’s response mechanisms, such as military action, peacebuilding initiatives, and economic revitalization efforts. The findings will be useful to humanitarian organizations seeking to understand the social and economic toll of insecurity on affected populations. These insights can help guide the creation of more effective support programs for displaced persons and violence-stricken communities. Academically, the study contributes to ongoing scholarship in security studies and lays a foundation for future research in this field. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study focuses primarily on Nigeria’s North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, which have been most affected by violent insecurity. However, it also includes an assessment of the Southern regions, where militancy and secessionist movements have posed serious challenges. The time frame covered—2015 to 2023—aligns with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, offering a period-specific view of the country’s security environment. The study addresses various forms of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, ethnic and religious conflict, and secessionist movements. Each category is examined based on its underlying causes, manifestations, and effects. The study also investigates the political, economic, historical, environmental, and social drivers that have influenced the spread and persistence of these threats across Nigeria. 1.7 Limitations of the Study While the study aims to be thorough, certain limitations may affect the scope and interpretation of the results. These include potential bias in existing data, the rapidly changing nature of security threats, and evolving political and social conditions. Financial constraints also limited the researcher’s ability to cover certain areas extensively. Nonetheless, every effort was made to ensure that the findings are credible, balanced, and meaningful. 1.8 Research Methodology To achieve reliable and comprehensive results, the study employed a rigorous research methodology. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative and historical analysis. This design enabled an in-depth exploration of the different types of insecurity, including the impact of specific threats like Boko Haram and banditry on both internal and regional stability. The study included an extensive review of scholarly literature—such as journal articles, books, and policy reports—from reputable sources in the field of security studies. 1.9 Definition of Terms Insecurity: A condition marked by the absence of safety or protection, where individuals or communities face threats to their lives and property. Threat: Any action or signal indicating potential harm, violence, or insecurity. Regional Security: The unique and interconnected ways in which security is managed and experienced across neighboring countries within a specific region. References Africa Center for Strategic Studies. (2021). The Nigerian state and insecurity. Africa Center for Strategic Studies. https://africacenter.org/spotlight/the-nigerian-state-and-insecurity de Montclos, M.-A. P. (2020). The Nigerian Military Response to Boko Haram: A Critical Analysis. African Conflict and Peace building Review, 10(2), 65–82. https://doi.org/10.2979/africonfpeacrevi.10.2.04 "International Crisis Group (2019) Facing the Challenge of the Islamic State in West Africa Province. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/west-africa/nigeria/273-facing-challenge-islamic-state-west-africa-province" Lenshie, etal (2024). Boko Haram, security architecture and counterinsurgency in North-East, Nigeria. Armed Forces & Society, 50(2), 497-519. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X221121656 Magnus Chijindu Onyemaobi & Elias Ngwu (2023). The State and Transformation of Secessionist Movement in Southeast, Nigeria, 2015-2022. Thesis for: M.Sc. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372394378_The_State_and_Transformation_of_Secessionist_Movement_in_Southeast_Nigeria_2015-2022 Williams, D. U. (2016). The Role of Conflict Resolution in Counterterrorism in Nigeria: A Case Analysis of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and Boko Haram (BH). Peace Research, 48(1/2), 173–202. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26382620